International

The MU International Office is the first point of contact for international students applying for full-degree, Erasmus, Study Abroad, and Summer School programmes, and supports MU students who wish to study abroad.

The PhD degree is research degree, awarded on the basis of a research thesis. Thesis presentation is supported by a number of taught mandatory Graduate Education modules (GREPs).

Closing date Research applications are generally accepted at any time

Commences September (or other agreed time)

Normally an upper second or first class honours degree in Geography or a cognate subject. PhD applicants should also have a Masters degree in Geography or a cognate subject.

Applicants must have a recognised primary degree which is considered equivalent to Irish university first degree level.

Minimum English language requirements:

IELTS: 6.5 minimum overall score

TOEFL (Paper based test): 585

TOEFL (Internet based test): 95

PTE (Pearson): 62

Maynooth University’s TOEFL code is 8850

Research for a PhD in Geography may be undertaken in any area of Geography that comes within the expertise of departmental staff. Applicants should identify and make contact with potential supervisors for their research project prior to submitting an application. Current broad research areas include Society and Space, Environment and Climate Change, and GIS and Remote Sensing.

The PhD degrees are awarded on the basis of a research thesis. From 2013, the PhD research thesis may be presented in one of two formats: either as a complete manuscript or as a collection of published work framed by an introduction and conclusion. To support the completion of the research thesis, all PhD students are required to participate in a Graduate Education Programme (GREP). Students take a variety of taught and other modules to enhance their substantive knowledge and their professional development, in a programme of study that is designed to suit a student's individual needs. PhD students are generally required to complete 25 credits of taught modules in Years 1 and 2, and 10 credits in Year 3. There may be exemptions for appropriate prior learning.

The following information should be forwarded to PAC, 1 Courthouse Square, Galway or uploaded to your online application form:

Certified copies of all official transcripts of results for all non-Maynooth University qualifications listed MUST accompany the application. Failure to do so will delay your application being processed. Non-Maynooth University students are asked to provide two academic references and a copy of birth certificate or valid passport.